At age 17 he was accepted into the Royal New Zealand Air Force Culinary School where he was trained in the London City and Guilds qualification certifications. After two decades of serving in the RNZAF where he catered to officers, dignitaries, Royals, and as the head chef of Government House, he retired to civilian life. Here he worked in or ran the kitchens of The George Hotel, Huka Falls, Te Awa Winery and Church Road Winery.